Jim Andrew Elected Chairman of AmCham Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City

The Board of Governors of the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) has elected a new chairman, Mr. Jim Andrew, of ConocoPhillips Vietnam.

In outlining his vision for the organization, Mr. Andrew stressed the need to continue the dynamism of AmCham. "We want to build on the momentum we have developed in recent years, particularly now that Vietnam is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and enjoys Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with the United States.

"We also want to support the government's shift from export-oriented manufacturing investment promotion to more broadly based economic development, including foreign investment in services and infrastructure," he said. "We will strengthen our support for investment promotion, networking, and work with other AmChams in the Southeast Asia region to advance regional economic integration."

Jim is currently Manager of Business Development and Government Affairs for ConocoPhillips Vietnam, where he is responsible for commercial oversight of ConocoPhillips businesses, management of ConocoPhillips government relations programs, and development of new ventures in Vietnam. Jim also serves on the Board of Directors for the Nam Con Son Pipeline System, the nation's largest natural gas transportation and processing business.. ConocoPhillips is the single largest foreign investor in any industry in Vietnam, with over US$ 1.3 billion invested in capital projects in Vietnam since 1996.

He has held a variety of operational, engineering, commercial and leadership positions at ConocoPhillips in New Orleans, Anchorage, Calgary and Houston. Jim has worked on oil and gas business initiatives in over 20 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America, most recently as Director of Business Development for ConocoPhillips in Latin America.

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Jim holds an undergraduate degree in engineering from LSU and an MBA in International Business from the University of Western Ontario.

Jim has been active in the United Way in the US and Canada and served on the Board of Directors for the Petroleum Joint Venture Association of Canada.

AmCham Vietnam is a not-for-profit, non-governmental, and non-political voluntary membership association of American businesses in Vietnam. Objectives include:

1. Promote the development of trade and investment between the United States and Vietnam.

2. Provide a forum where American businesses in Vietnam can identify and discuss common interests regarding commercial activities in Vietnam.

3. Work with organizations in Vietnam on matters of mutual interest.

4. Maintain relations with chambers of commerce in the United States and other chambers of commerce or commercial organizations.

AmCham Vietnam was founded as an informal association in March 1994, just one month after President Clinton lifted the trade embargo in February 1994.

For more information on AmCham Vietnam, http://www.amchamvietnam.com/.

Source: PRWeb